Red 40 And Titanium Dioxide And Carnauba Wax

Red 40 is a synthetic red food dye made from petroleum. Titanium dioxide is a white mineral pigment that occurs naturally. Carnauba wax is a natural wax obtained from the leaves of the carnauba palm tree.

These ingredients are often used together to provide color and a glossy coating to foods. Red 40 provides a red color, titanium dioxide provides a white or opaque color, and carnauba wax acts as a glazing agent to add shine and prevent sticking. They are commonly found in candies and other snack foods.

Red 40 is an FDA-approved color additive, but in April 2025, the FDA announced a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, including Red 40. Some studies have suggested a link between synthetic food dyes and hyperactivity in children, but evidence is mixed. Titanium dioxide is an FDA-permitted food additive; however, the EU banned it as a food additive in 2022 after EFSA concluded it could no longer be considered safe. Carnauba wax is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA. JECFA has evaluated all three ingredients and set an acceptable daily intake for each.